The European Space Agency (ESA) is recruiting an intern for the Structures Section (TEC-MSS) of its Mechanical Department at ESTEC in Noordwijk, Netherlands. Applications close on 30 November 2026 at 23:59 CET/CEST. At Youth Works Hub, we reviewed the full vacancy: you would help develop and analyse advanced structural solutions for space systems, working in domains such as structural optimisation, fracture control, vibro-acoustics, ultra-stable structures and hypervelocity impacts.
Vacancy at a Glance
🆔 Job Requisition ID: 21052
🎓 Type of appointment: Intern
🏛️ Directorate: Technology, Engineering and Quality
🏙️ Workplace: Noordwijk, NL
📍 Location: ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands
🌐 Publication method: external only
🏷️ Vacancy title as published: Intern in the Mechanical Department - Structures Section
⏳ Closing date: 30 November 2026, 23:59 CET/CEST
What the ESA Structures Section Is Responsible For
The Structures Section TEC-MSS is in charge of all structural engineering aspects. The vacancy lists these areas:
📐 Structural design and verification methods and tools
📳 Static, dynamics and vibro-acoustics
💥 Crash, impacts and meteoroids absorption analysis
🔎 Damage tolerance, fracture control and health monitoring
🌊 Fluid structure interaction (for example sloshing)
🚀 Launcher coupled dynamic analysis
🔥 Demisability and re-usability
🌡️ Thermo-elastic distortion
🔬 High stability and high precision structures
🦋 Active and adaptive structures
🎈 Inflatable and deployable structures
🛬 Launchers, re-entry (hot structures) and planetary landing vehicles
🧑🚀 Crew habitation and EVA suits
A Team of About 43 Engineers and Specialists
The ESA Structures Section brings together a diverse team of approximately 43 engineers and specialists covering the complete structural lifecycle of space systems, from early concept development and structural sizing to analysis, verification, testing and in-flight performance.
Expertise You Would Be Working Alongside
The expertise of the team includes structural design and analysis, loads and coupled-loads analysis, structural dynamics, vibro-acoustics, shock, micro-vibration, thermo-elastic performance, fracture control and fatigue, advanced materials and manufacturing, deployable structures, structural digitalisation and emerging technologies.
The team supports ESA missions across Earth observation, science, exploration, telecommunications, navigation and space transportation, working closely with project teams, European industry, research organisations and partner agencies.
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The Mission of the Section
The mission is to ensure that European spacecraft, payloads and launch systems are structurally robust, reliable and fit for purpose throughout their operational life. The section provides independent technical expertise, solves complex engineering challenges and helps projects manage structural risks through sound engineering judgement and proportionate verification.
Technologies, Standards and Industrial Capabilities
Beyond direct project support, the Section develops new technologies and methodologies, preserves and shares structural-engineering knowledge, contributes to European standards and technical guidelines, and strengthens industrial capabilities. By connecting operational experience with research and innovation, the team aims to anticipate future needs and maintain Europe's technical excellence and autonomy in spacecraft structures.
Candidates interested are encouraged to visit the ESA website, which is listed at the end of this post.
What You Will Do During the Internship
You will contribute to the development and analysis of advanced structural solutions for space systems. The internship will focus on applying modern design, simulation, and testing methods to improve the performance, reliability, and efficiency of spacecraft structures.
Five Possible Domains for Your Project
Depending on your background and interests, you may work in one of several key domains, such as:
🪶 Structural optimisation: exploring lightweight and high-performance structural concepts through numerical and computational design methods.
🧱 Fracture control and damage tolerance: supporting studies and simulations related to material strength, crack propagation, and structural integrity in extreme environments.
🔊 Vibro-acoustics: analysing vibration and acoustic environments during launch and their influence on structural behaviour.
🪞 Ultra-stable structures: investigating thermo-elastic stability and precision design techniques for optical or scientific payloads.
☄️ Hypervelocity impacts: studying the effects of micrometeoroid and debris impacts on spacecraft structures and assessing protection or resilience strategies through modelling and test data.
What You Will Learn
You will learn how advanced structural engineering is applied to real space missions, gaining hands-on experience with modelling tools, simulation techniques, and engineering processes. Throughout the internship, you will be supported by experienced mentors who will help you connect theoretical knowledge with practical challenges in spacecraft design and verification.
Learning Outcomes
Learning outcomes include developing a system-level understanding of spacecraft structures, applying modern analytical and computational methods, and strengthening problem-solving and communication skills in a multidisciplinary engineering environment.
Behavioural Competencies
ESA assesses candidates against its Core Behavioural Competencies. The vacancy lists these six:
🎯 Result Orientation
🛠️ Operational Efficiency
🤝 Fostering Cooperation
📞 Relationship Management
♻️ Continuous Improvement
🧠 Forward Thinking
For more information, the vacancy refers to the ESA Core Behavioural Competencies guidebook.
Who Can Apply: Education
You must be a university student, preferably in your final or second-to-last year of university course at Master's level. In addition, you must be able to prove that you will be enrolled at your university for the entire duration of the internship.
Background and Languages
Knowledge and background should be in the field of mechanical/aeronautical engineering. Experience with relevant engineering software tools would be an asset.
The working languages of the Agency are English and French. A good knowledge of one of these is required. Knowledge of another ESA Member State language is an asset.
Your Interview
During the interview, your motivation for applying to this role will be explored.
Which Nationalities Can Apply?
Please note that applications are only considered from nationals of one of the following States: Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.
Export Control and Selection Tests
Applicants must be eligible to access information, technology, and hardware which is subject to European or US export control and sanctions regulations.
During the recruitment process, the Agency may request applicants to undergo selection tests.
Internship Length, Start Date and Application Limit
According to ESA's announcement for the 2027 student internships, an internship lasts 3 to 6 months and starts from February 2027 onwards. The exact start date is agreed with the ESA tutor.
A candidate can apply for up to two ESA internship opportunities.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusiveness
ESA is an equal opportunity employer, committed to achieving diversity within the workforce and creating an inclusive working environment. It welcomes applications from all qualified candidates irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religious beliefs, age, disability or other characteristics.
Support for Applicants with Disabilities
At the Agency, diversity is valued and people with disabilities are welcome. Whenever possible, ESA seeks to accommodate individuals with disabilities by providing the necessary support at the workplace. The Human Resources Department can also provide assistance during the recruitment process. The contact email for this is listed at the end of this post.
Important Information
The information published on ESA's careers website regarding internship conditions is correct at the time of publication. It is not intended to be exhaustive and may not address all questions you would have. The vacancy does not state an allowance for this internship.
Find more opportunities like this in our internship and traineeship listings on Youth Works Hub.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does the ESA Structures Section internship take place?
The internship is based at ESTEC in Noordwijk, Netherlands, within the Mechanical Department and the Technology, Engineering and Quality Directorate.
What does the ESA Structures Section do?
The Structures Section TEC-MSS is in charge of all structural engineering aspects of space systems. These range from structural design and verification methods to dynamics, vibro-acoustics, impacts, fracture control, deployable structures, launchers, re-entry vehicles and crew habitation.
How big is the team?
The Structures Section brings together approximately 43 engineers and specialists. They cover the complete structural lifecycle of space systems, from early concept development and sizing to analysis, verification, testing and in-flight performance.
What will I work on during the internship?
You will contribute to the development and analysis of advanced structural solutions for space systems. The internship focuses on applying modern design, simulation and testing methods to improve the performance, reliability and efficiency of spacecraft structures.
Which domains can the internship project cover?
Depending on your background and interests, you may work in structural optimisation, fracture control and damage tolerance, vibro-acoustics, ultra-stable structures or hypervelocity impacts.
What will I learn?
You will learn how advanced structural engineering is applied to real space missions, with hands-on experience of modelling tools, simulation techniques and engineering processes. Learning outcomes include a system-level understanding of spacecraft structures, modern analytical and computational methods, and stronger problem-solving and communication skills.
Will I be supported by a mentor?
Yes, the vacancy states that you will be supported by experienced mentors. They help you connect theoretical knowledge with practical challenges in spacecraft design and verification.
Who is eligible to apply?
You must be a university student, preferably in your final or second-to-last year at Master's level, and you must be able to prove that you will be enrolled at your university for the entire duration of the internship. You must also be a national of one of the States listed in the vacancy.
Which background is required?
Knowledge and background should be in the field of mechanical/aeronautical engineering. Experience with relevant engineering software tools would be an asset.
Which languages do I need?
The working languages of ESA are English and French, and a good knowledge of one of them is required. Knowledge of another ESA Member State language is an asset.
How long is the internship and when does it start?
According to ESA's 2027 student internships announcement, internships last 3 to 6 months and begin from February 2027 onwards. The exact start date is agreed with the ESA tutor.
How many ESA internships can I apply for?
A candidate can apply for up to two ESA internship opportunities, according to ESA's announcement for the 2027 student internships.
What happens after I apply?
The Agency may request applicants to undergo selection tests. During the interview, your motivation for applying to this role will be explored.
Does the vacancy mention a stipend?
The vacancy does not state an allowance for this internship. ESA notes that the information on its careers website regarding internship conditions is correct at the time of publication but is not intended to be exhaustive.
What is the application deadline?
Applications close on 30 November 2026 at 23:59 CET/CEST.
Deadline
⏳ 30 November 2026
Links
🔗 Apply now (ESA vacancy 21052): https://jobs.esa.int/job/Noordwijk-Intern-in-the-Mechanical-Department-Structures-Section/1452886433/
📰 ESA Student Internships 2027: https://www.esa.int/About_Us/Careers_at_ESA/ESA_Student_Internships_2027_are_now_open
🌌 ESA website: https://www.esa.int
📧 Contact for disability support: ESA.Student.Internships@esa.int
